Saturday, May 29, 2004

Will Calhoun, Mos Def and Meshell Ndegocello - LIVEFriday, August 27 Mos Def presents BIG
The Spirit Music Sextet featuring Meshell Ndegeocello
Mos Def, the multi-talented rapper, rocker, and stage and screen actor, continues his explorations of jazz with the premiere of Big. Drawing from material by Miles Davis, Chick Corea, Gil-Scott Heron, Beyonce and original compositions, Mos Def and his big band, with musical direction by percussionist Will Calhoun (Black Jack Johnson/Living Colour) explode the boundaries between jazz, soul and hip-hop."Mos Def has proven himself an explorer as well as an eclectic…further development along these [jazz] lines really would be something to behold--for Mos devotees and open-minded jazz fans alike." - Jazztimes

Spirit Music. Improvisational sound exploration. New compositions influenced by life, Miles Davis, Kool Herc, Carl Sagan and holyscripture. What jazz and funk originally implied for the future. Meshell Ndegeocello has pulled together some of the best and most creativemusicians in the world to raise praises, shouts and celebrations ofindividual interpretation. The legendary Oliver Lake and Ron Blake on saxophones; Peck Allmond on trumpet, tuba, flute and kalimba; Michael Cain on piano; Chris Dave on drums and DJ Jahi Sundance. Meshell, celebrated bassist and Grammy-nominated solo artist, provides artistic direction as well as her innovative compositions. Suitable for free minds, open hearts and shaking behinds.

7pm, Price $40 for general public / $35 for Public Theater members (see www.JOESPUB.com for details)